Baby & Toddler Nutrition Guide: What to Know at Every Stage
Written by
ZOF Support
Published on
March 20, 2025
Understanding the nutritional needs of your child as they grow is essential for their health and development. Babies and toddlers require different nutrients at various stages, and knowing how to meet these needs can make a significant difference in their growth and well-being.
It can be tricky to know what different stages of formula mean, especially when it comes to European formula. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll break down these changes and help you choose the best formula to support your child’s journey—from newborn to toddler.
Nutritional Needs of Babies
During the first six months, babies rely exclusively on breast milk or formula for their nutrition. These provide essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that support rapid growth, brain development, and immune function.
- First 6 Months: Babies need easily digestible nutrients tailored to their developing digestive systems. Stage 1 formulas are designed to mimic breast milk closely, offering a balance of whey and casein proteins that support digestion.
- 6–12 Months: As babies begin transitioning to solid foods, their nutritional needs expand. They require iron-rich foods, calcium for bone growth, and DHA for cognitive development. Formula remains an important source of nutrition alongside solids.
Nutritional Needs of Toddlers
From 12 months onward, toddlers experience slower growth but increased activity levels, requiring a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Their diet should consist of solid foods complemented by milk or formula to ensure they meet daily nutritional requirements.
- 12–24 Months: Toddlers need higher amounts of calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, along with iron to support energy levels. Their protein intake should also increase to match their growing energy demands.
- Transition to Family Foods: By this stage, toddlers can eat most family foods with appropriate textures and portion sizes. However, formula can still play a role in filling nutritional gaps.
Understanding European Formula Stages
European baby formula is divided into stages to reflect the changing nutritional needs of infants and toddlers. Unlike many formulas across the world, which are often marketed as a one-size-fits-all solution, European formulas are carefully formulated to match a child’s developmental phase, ensuring they receive the right balance of nutrients at the right time.
Stage 1: Birth to 6 Months
Stage 1 formulas are designed to be as close to breast milk as possible. They contain a balance of whey and casein proteins for easy digestion, lactose as the primary carbohydrate (just like breast milk), and essential nutrients like DHA for brain development.
Since newborns have delicate digestive systems, European Stage 1 formulas are gentle, with no added starch or unnecessary fillers. These formulas support early growth and development while ensuring your baby gets all the nourishment they need.
Our pick: HiPP Dutch Bio Combiotik Stage 1 Cow Milk – This organic formula mimics breast milk closely, with prebiotics for gut health and DHA for brain development. It’s a great choice for parents looking for a clean, EU-certified organic option for their newborn.
Stage 2: 6 to 12 Months
At around six months, babies start exploring solid foods, but formula still plays a crucial role in their diet. Stage 2 formulas are slightly different from Stage 1, as they contain:
- Higher iron levels to support cognitive development and prevent deficiencies.
- Increased calcium and vitamin D to strengthen growing bones.
- A slightly different protein balance to support digestion alongside solids.
While Stage 1 formulas can technically be used beyond six months, Stage 2 is designed to complement the transition to solid foods and provide the extra nutrients growing babies need.
Our pick: HiPP Dutch Bio Combiotik Stage 2 Cow Milk – A follow-on formula with extra iron and calcium, making it an ideal transition from Stage 1 while still being gentle on digestion.
Stage 3: 12+ Months (Toddler Formula)
Once babies reach their first birthday, their nutritional needs shift again. Stage 3 formulas, sometimes labeled as “toddler milk” or “junior formula,” provide:
- Higher fat content for energy and brain development.
- More vitamins and minerals to support an active lifestyle.
- Prebiotics and probiotics to maintain gut health as they continue eating more varied foods.
While many toddlers get most of their nutrition from solid foods, Stage 3 formulas can help fill nutritional gaps—especially for picky eaters or children who need extra support with digestion.
Our pick: HiPP Dutch Bio Combiotik Stage 3 Cow Milk – A toddler-friendly formula that provides essential DHA, prebiotics, and balanced nutrition to complement a growing child’s diet.
Finding the Right Formula for Your Baby
European formulas provide stage-specific nutrition that evolves with your baby’s needs. By choosing the right stage, you can ensure your little one gets the best possible start in life with clean, organic ingredients that align with EU standards.
At Zen Organic Formula, we carefully select high-quality European formulas that meet these strict standards. Shop by stage to find the perfect formula for your baby!
